I only ask this because 2 of the country's major auto mags, Automobile and Car and Driver, have their offices in my town. So, I could probably snap some good close-up pictures if I could get a heads-up as to when they're coming. (Boowana, I'm looking in your direction)

And yes, they just leave the cars parked outside in broad daylight. I went and checked out the 350Z when it was at the C&D offices in June.

 

Probably around February.

 

just outta curiousity, where did C&D do their test (for January's issue)?

 

They were part of the press junket that went all the way to Japan.

---jps

 

do you think that anyone would be able to steal those cars?!? wouldn't that be crazy?!? someone could have themselves a pre-rx8 before everyone else....

charge people for rides. but then again they'd get caught right away. but still its something to think about.

 

You go right ahead there big guy. I just hope that that 159 lbs/torque is enough to pull on a Crown Vic. You know, the one with the red and blue flashing lights?

 

it may pull away from the crown vic, but it wont be faster than the radio!:D

 

An RX-8 would tear an Interceptor (the police-spec crown vic) a new orifice, they do 1/4 mile in the 15's, and I seriously doubt that they would be much of a threat on the top end either.

 

i dunno man... a 350z shook the police in Utah twice... and then finally got caught like 2 hours later after being stolen..

 

My guess is that the auto mags could have cars as ealry as mid-January but I cna't say absolutely for sure. Hope this helps.

 

Yep, January. The link to the Canadian "World of Wheels" magazine article (see the media section, 2nd page of the thread entitled "Candian pricing blurb and other details blah blah blah") says that the car will be released for mag testing in January in California (initially).

 

A guy I know works for a magazine and has already driven the car. What version of the car I don't know. He said it was a bit of a dissapointment... but he's also extremely critical.

That's all I can say really. Oooh, I feel all mysterious like boowana now. :p

 

I don't think Mazda can afford a dissapointment.

It was my opinion (and Sputnik gave me a hard time about it :p) that Mazda is calling the press over to test drive the car and they can find out what can be improved on to make it a better car. This is of course my own deduction, and hopefully I'm right

If Mazda takes away what the press says with a good amount of effort they can make the RX-8 a really really fun and responsive car. That's what I'm looking for anyways, not a speed demon, but a great handler with decent power to boot, and in a package that suits me (with 4 seats and a good appearance).

Let's just keep an eye out though...

 

I noticed in that pillar of automative journalism - The Sun newspaper (UK) - last week that a journalist reviewing the new Mazda 2 said he would get to drive the RX-8 next month, so maybe we'll see some better reviews in January.

Of course The Sun does occasionally get its stories a little wrong
:D

Phil